Warriors Two (1978)

How do you know you’re watching a good kung fu movie? Just compare it to Warriors Two and see if it even comes close to the peerless quality of one of the greatest martial arts epics of all time.

Leung Kar-yan gives the best performance of his career as the elder Mr. Tsang, a doctor and master of Wing Chun, whose martial lineage traces back to the style’s founder. He is grudgingly persuaded by Fei Chun (Sammo Hung), his lead student to teach kung fu to Cashier Hua (Casanova Wong), a patient hiding out at his residence. Hua had previously overheard a businessman named Mo (Fung Hak-on) and several of his men plotting to take over the town by killing the town’s headman. Unfortunately, Hua made the mistake of warning Mo’s wormy henchman and a trap was set that nearly cost the poor cashier his life. While in hiding, Hua sends Fei Chun to warn the headman. The headman ignores the advice and is later attacked by Mo’s men, although its unclear whether he escapes or is killed after a protracted fight.

Meanwhile, Tsang runs Hua through an elaborate and entertaining series of Wing Chun training sessions before he falls victim to a vicious trap set by Mo who has learned of Hua’s whereabouts. With nothing left to lose, Hua, Fei Chun, and another student split up to use specific Wing Chun styles against Mo’s leading fighters. Trouble mounts when its discovered that Fei mixed up the fighter’s names and each of Tsang’s students have to improvise in order to win against their opponents.

Warriors Two is a film Sammo Hung can be supremely proud of. As the film’s director, co-choreographer, and co-star, Sammo is as the very peak of his game and gives evidence of his measured and masterful control of the action that is nearly impossible to duplicate. Only The Prodigal Son (1982), with a more “realistic” approach to the action reaches the same lofty heights of martial bliss and its a toss-up as to which is better. The direction and fight choreography are simply flawless. The opening credits set the tone with a stunning bout between Leung Kar-yan, who is wearing credible age-enhancing makeup and Casanova Wong in a bamboo forest as smoke gathers about them. Sammo is really an outstanding director and choreographer who hasn’t received as much credit for these skills as his more distinctive peers like Yuen Wo Ping and John Woo have. The camera is constantly moving and cutting, but also allows enough time to actually see the stars performing their stunts. Some wirework is employed, more noticeably towards the end, but its checked in favor of showing off the stars’ ample abilities.

Although I’m no expert on Wing Chun, it’s clear that Sammo Hung is going to great lengths to highlight the style. The training sequences are done exactly as they should be, by actually showing how an activity is teaching the student a particular skill. Leung Kar-yan is brilliant in his role as the teacher. He adds just the right amount of austerity and presence without overdoing it. Its also obvious why he was chosen for this role over an older actor. To the layman, he really looks like a Wing Chun expert and his physical grace is undeniable. Casanova Wong doesn’t seem to perform as much Wing Chun style which focuses mainly on upper body work, but he is a very strong kicker who possesses a vibrant personality onscreen. He does a leaping, spinning kick over a table near the end that must be seen. Sammo’s own performance is played mostly for laughs, which is what he was known for at the time. Yet, he does give himself plenty of quality screen time and reminds us that you don’t have to be thin to be agile. Fung Hak-on, who plays the lead villain is a small disappointment in that he only fights at the end. He seems to become an almost supernatural fighter with a Dracula hair cut and some partial levitation mantis-style kung fu that brings the fun factor back into the film. Sammo also couldn’t resist throwing in a humorous side-fight against the film’s token weasel right near the end that provides a nice break from the increasing intensity of the main finale.

For a “classic kung fu” title of the ’70s, Warriors Two has one of the most polished looks of any production. The sets are detailed and elaborate while the outdoor settings are picturesque. Its clear that a lot of effort went into this film and it pays off big time. With top performances, action and humor, I guarantee you will not walk away from this film disappointed!